As it celebrated the 237 anniversary of its Declaration of Independence, America was falling short of the ideals expressed in the document.

That was the conclusion drawn by Syracuse University history professor James Roger Sharp in a special Independence Day commentary.

For evidence, Sharp pointed to the growing disparity of wealth between rich and poor and a political system he said "often appears to be a closed, isolated and stultified one" run by officials more bent on reelection than governing.

Americans cannot rest on their laurels, but must vigilantly guard their democratic principle and strive "to bring our society in harmony with the ideals of the Declaration of Independence," he said.

Sharp's essay drew a torrent of comments from syracuse.com readers. Here's a selection:

From David: I find it interesting that as the size and control of government has increased, the disparity between rich and poor has also increased. Today we have morbidly obese federal and state governments, filled with inefficiency and waste that places huge burdens on those who strive for a better life. Today we have more people on food stamps, high unemployment, massive debt that will burden the generations to follow. All because we have abandoned the wisdom of the Founders who knew that government must be limited. Government is like fire: If it is contained in a furnace it is useful; if it is not contained it will burn your house down.

From jimsome: The state of the country is fair. Political parties, lobbyists (of almost every stripe), private funding of elections, the manipulation of voting districts by both of the major parties -- making incumbents much harder to defeat -- and the level of ignorance continually exhibited by a significant percentage of the voting public, have made it vital that people take a real interest in the current state of the nation. It would be a real shame if we fumbled the opportunity the Founders gave us.

From WhatMeWorry?: The Founders would be shocked to know that today we are the Redcoats, trying to police the world.

From Zoomie: Let us not forget that most folks are indifferent, complacent and even conspirators in political/government manipulation . . . Folks are less willing to be disciplined, to pursue good character, perseverance, hard work and sacrifice. I fear we have lost our way and have reverted to the basic aspects of our nature. We have no states-persons, just exploiters like Cuomo and Silver. The bureaucratic class is parasitical along with the unions in public service. We have to be reduced almost to ruin before we can find our way again.

From oldirish: . . . Political philosophy from both the right and the left is intentionally used to divide us . . . Massive amounts of money flow into the political system and drive policy that continues the concentration of wealth and power to the very few. The Patriot Act and the NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act] have eroded our basic Constitutional rights. Our government spies on us, can invade our homes and secretly arrest us, all without due process. Our military can be sent into the streets to quell us. Unless we wake up and begin to demand that our government be returned to the people, nothing will change . . .

From lakerman: The problem is with the voters themselves, who keep voting back in the same politicians election after election. I wonder how many of those making comments here do the same? If those in office will not vote themselves term limits, the electorate can. Until this happens, nothing will change. I sincerely believe that our country is in decline (morally, economically) and that future generations will inherit these problems. This is the legacy that we are giving our children and grandchildren.

Are we living nearer or further from the ideals of the Founders after 237 years as a nation? Please leave a comment below.